Karen “Kay” Neal, 90, of Salado, Texas, passed away on September 26, 2026. Born November 29, 1935, in Satin, Texas, Kay entered the world at home on Thanksgiving Day—arriving earlier than expected—and was delivered by her grandmother, Fannie Sharp. She was the daughter of Marvin and Ninea Helen Thomas Sharp.
Kay spent her early childhood attending the small schoolhouse in Satin, where the community gathered for classes spanning 1st through 12th grades. In the 6th grade she moved to Marlin, and she later graduated from Marlin High School in 1954.
In 1956, Kay married the love of her life, Billy Neal. Together they raised five children and shared 50 years of memories, building a home marked by steady devotion, quiet sacrifice, and a deep care for one another. Billy preceded Kay in death in 2005.
For more than 50 years, Kay was known to many as the local Avon Lady—serving her community with a generous spirit and a dependable presence that reflected her thoughtful, giving nature.
Kay greatly enjoyed vegetable gardening and cooking, and she especially loved cooking for her family. Above all, Kay’s greatest joy came from her family, and her care for them was evident in the everyday ways she showed up—faithfully, gently, and without hesitation.
A devoted Christian, Kay was baptized and saved at age 13 at the First Baptist Church of Marlin. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, where her faith remained a steady foundation throughout her life.
Kay brought joy to the hearts of many, and her smile was contagious—an enduring reminder of the warmth and kindness she carried with her.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Neal (2005); her daughter, Su-Zann Rashott (1991, at Luby’s); two cherished great-grandchildren, Kaden Johnson and Jared Peak; and her parents, Marvin and Ninea Helen Thomas Sharp.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Cindy Aaron and spouse Dirk, Jana Hall, Randy Neal and spouse Lore, and Jody Neal and spouse Sharita; 12 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved friends and extended family.
A Visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday October 1, 2026 at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. A Funeral Service officiated by Dr. Mark Kemp will be held at 2pm on Friday October 2nd at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove followed by the committal service at Copperas Cove City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to The Building Fund at First Baptist Church Copperas Cove.
Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?”
